The novel is based on truth and tells the story of a young man accused of a crime that he did not commit. It tells of bitter months of hatred towards his accuser, the judge and prison officials. He had nothing but hatred towards the system and was totally unhappy. It wasn't until he was able to forgive his accuser, his public defender and the judge that sentenced him to twenty years in prison that his life began to change. In time he became a model prisoner and was able to face his situation without hatred controlling him. His desire to clear his name and become a person of respectability generated thought of freedom and escape from prison. He dreamed of finding the guilty party and having the court reverse his conviction. His intentions were good, but the action he took branded him a "Prisoner on the run."